From Mohamed Salah to Wayne Rooney, here is a look at five players with most goals on opening day of Premier League season. The list also features English strikers Alan Shearer, Jamie Vardy and Frank Lampard. 

From Mohamed Salah to Wayne Rooney, 5 players with most goals on opening day of Premier League season

<p>Jamie Vardy will leave former Premier League champions Leicester at the end of the season, the relegated club announced on Thursday, describing the lightning-quick forward as their "greatest-ever player".</p>
<p>The talismanic striker, a key member of the side that lifted the English league title against seemingly impossible odds in 2016, vowed to continue playing even at the age of 38.</p>
<p>The former England international joined the Foxes in 2012 from non-league side Fleetwood for &pound;1 million ($1.3 million) and has scored 198 goals in nearly 500 appearances.</p>
<p>The club captain is Leicester's record Premier League goalscorer with 143 goals.</p>
<p>He scored 24 times in the 2015/16 Premier League campaign, helping the Foxes to their first top-flight title in one of the greatest shocks in football history.</p>
<p>Vardy was also part of Leicester's 2021 FA Cup-winning side, who beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"We can confirm legendary striker Jamie Vardy will leave Leicester City this summer after 13 seasons that have seen him become our greatest-ever player," the club said in a statement.</p>
<p>"Jamie is unique," said chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha. "He is a special player and an even more special person.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"He holds a place in the hearts of everyone connected to Leicester City."</p>
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<h2><strong>Devastated Vardy</strong></h2>
<p>Vardy said he was "devastated" to be leaving the Foxes but the timing was right.</p>
<p>"To the fans of Leicester, I'm gutted that this day is coming, but I knew it was going to come eventually," he said in a video message to fans.</p>
<p>"I've spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, and some downs, but the majority have all been highs."</p>
<p>Vardy, who has scored seven goals in 31 league appearances this season, gave a scathing assessment of Leicester's campaign after relegation was confirmed on Sunday following a 1-0 defeat by Liverpool.</p>
<p>"This season has been nothing but miserable and for me personally, a total embarrassment", he said in a social media post. "It hurts."</p>
<p>Ruud van Nistelrooy's side are 19th in the table, having collected just 18 points from their 33 matches and are heading back to the Championship after just one season back in the top division.</p>
<p>Vardy, the last remaining player from Leicester's 2016 title success still at the King Power Stadium, enjoyed a fairytale rise from the fifth tier of English football to the very top.</p>
<p>He played his part in the club's astonishing escape in the 2014/15 season, when they won seven of their last nine games to escape relegation.</p>
<p>The following season his goals were a major factor in the club's 5,000-1 title charge under Claudio Ranieri -- he scored in a record 11 consecutive Premier League fixtures.</p>
<p>His time at the King Power was also marked by tragedy when five people, including chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, were killed in a helicopter crash just outside the stadium in October 2018.</p>
<p>"Nine years ago, we did the impossible, we won the Premier League," Vardy said in a video on his social media channels. "We then went on to win the FA Cup -- that was for you, Vichai.&nbsp;</p>
<p>"We reached the Champions League quarter-finals. Before that, we pulled off the great escape."</p>
<p>He added: "My one regret -- and I'm devastated about this -- is that I'm not saying farewell to you on the back of a much better season. This isn't the way I wanted my career here to finish.</p>
<p>"Finally, this isn't retirement. I want to keep playing and doing what I enjoy most, scoring goals.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Leicester, who play Wolves on Saturday, have five games left this season and confirmed Vardy's final home match would be on May 18 against Ipswich, who are nearly certain to be relegated.</p>
<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: </strong>This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>

World | Football | Sports: Jamie Vardy joined the Foxes in 2012 from Fleetwood for £1 million ($1.3 million) and has scored 198 goals in nearly 500 appearances.

Jamie Vardy will leave former Premier League champions Leicester at the end of the season, the relegated club announced on Thursday, describing the lightning-quick forward as their "greatest-ever player". The talismanic striker, a key member of the side that lifted the English league title against seemingly impossible odds in 2016, vowed to continue playing even at the age of 38. The former England international joined the Foxes in 2012 from non-league side Fleetwood for £1 million ($1.3 million) and has scored 198 goals in nearly 500 appearances. The club captain is Leicester's record Premier League goalscorer with 143 goals. He scored 24 times in the 2015/16 Premier League campaign, helping the Foxes to their first top-flight title in one of the greatest shocks in football history. Vardy was also part of Leicester's 2021 FA Cup-winning side, who beat Chelsea 1-0 at Wembley. "We can confirm legendary striker Jamie Vardy will leave Leicester City this summer after 13 seasons that have seen him become our greatest-ever player," the club said in a statement. "Jamie is unique," said chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha. "He is a special player and an even more special person. "He holds a place in the hearts of everyone connected to Leicester City." ALSO READ | Pahalgam terror attack: BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla shuts door for India-Pakistan series, says 'we will not play...' Devastated Vardy Vardy said he was "devastated" to be leaving the Foxes but the timing was right. "To the fans of Leicester, I'm gutted that this day is coming, but I knew it was going to come eventually," he said in a video message to fans. "I've spent 13 unbelievable years at this club, with lots of success, and some downs, but the majority have all been highs." Vardy, who has scored seven goals in 31 league appearances this season, gave a scathing assessment of Leicester's campaign after relegation was confirmed on Sunday following a 1-0 defeat by Liverpool. "This season has been nothing but miserable and for me personally, a total embarrassment", he said in a social media post. "It hurts." Ruud van Nistelrooy's side are 19th in the table, having collected just 18 points from their 33 matches and are heading back to the Championship after just one season back in the top division. Vardy, the last remaining player from Leicester's 2016 title success still at the King Power Stadium, enjoyed a fairytale rise from the fifth tier of English football to the very top. He played his part in the club's astonishing escape in the 2014/15 season, when they won seven of their last nine games to escape relegation. The following season his goals were a major factor in the club's 5,000-1 title charge under Claudio Ranieri -- he scored in a record 11 consecutive Premier League fixtures. His time at the King Power was also marked by tragedy when five people, including chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, were killed in a helicopter crash just outside the stadium in October 2018. "Nine years ago, we did the impossible, we won the Premier League," Vardy said in a video on his social media channels. "We then went on to win the FA Cup -- that was for you, Vichai. "We reached the Champions League quarter-finals. Before that, we pulled off the great escape." He added: "My one regret -- and I'm devastated about this -- is that I'm not saying farewell to you on the back of a much better season. This isn't the way I wanted my career here to finish. "Finally, this isn't retirement. I want to keep playing and doing what I enjoy most, scoring goals. Leicester, who play Wolves on Saturday, have five games left this season and confirmed Vardy's final home match would be on May 18 against Ipswich, who are nearly certain to be relegated. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Premier League: Jamie Vardy to leave Leicester City at end of season, drops curtains on 13-year spell

<p>Ange Postecoglou admitted "wasteful" Tottenham lost their composure as Jamie Vardy's second-half equaliser gave Leicester a 1-1 draw against his profligate team on Monday.</p>

<p>Promoted Leicester survived a series of costly Tottenham misses either side of Pedro Porro's first-half opener for the visitors at the King Power Stadium.</p>

<p>Vardy made Tottenham pay for their erratic finishing with a typically predatory header, capping his surprise appearance just days after he had been ruled out by Steve Cooper after suffering a pre-season injury.</p>

<p>The 37-year-old has now scored nine Premier League goals in 17 appearances against Tottenham, who trudged off wondering how they had failed to demolish Leicester during their dominant first-half display.</p>

<p>Tottenham finished fifth in Postecoglou's first season following a campaign in which the Australian's commitment to all-out attack was eventually exposed at the cost of Champions League qualification.</p>

<p>Once again, Tottenham were hampered by poor finishing and unfocused defending.</p>

<p>Dominic Solanke was especially culpable on the striker's debut after moving from Bournemouth for a fee that could rise to £65 million ($84 million).</p>

<p>"Disappointing night for us. First half excellent and controlled the game but wasteful in front of goal. Once Leicester scored, the crowd lifted and we lost our composure," Postecoglou said.</p>

<p>"It was an issue we had last year as well. We need to keep working hard and be a bit more ruthless in front of goal. At times we made poor decisions.</p>

<p>"The dominance is great but if you don't score it is meaningless. We have to be stronger in our mindset in the front third. To be that wasteful is disappointing. We just weren't clinical."</p>

<p>Leicester are back in the Premier League after winning the Championship to end their one-year absence.</p>

<p>Amid reports the Foxes could face a points deductions for breaking financial rules, new boss Cooper needs to hit the ground running if they are to avoid relegation and this gritty display was an encouraging start.</p>

<p>"I was as fit as a fiddle until I got to about 65 minutes if I'm honest!" Vardy said.</p>

<p>"Tottenham are a really good team but we have them too much respect. We started getting after them and it changed the momentum.</p>

<p>"When we are at the top of our game we can give anyone a run for their money."</p>

<p>Tottenham went close to an early lead when Wilfred Ndidi cleared Rodrigo Bentancur's effort off the line before Mads Hermansen saved Brennan Johnson's fierce effort from the rebound.</p>

<p>Solanke's diving header was straight at Hermansen before Cristian Romero nodded Porro's cross just wide.</p>

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<h2><strong>Sloppy Tottenham</strong></h2>

<p>Solanke tested Hermansen with another header and Tottenham's pressure was rewarded in the 29th minute.</p>

<p>James Maddison floated a pin-point cross into the Leicester area, where Porro timed his run perfectly to flick his header into the far corner from 12 yards.</p>

<p>Maddison almost provided another assist moments later with a superb cross that Johnson fired narrowly wide.</p>

<p>Solanke should have done better than shoot straight at Hermansen early in the second half, while the over-worked keeper also saved Bentancur's close-range strike.</p>

<p>Tottenham's wastefulness came back to haunt them in the 57th minute as Leicester struck from their first effort on target.</p>

<p>Unhinged far too easily, Tottenham's defenders stood statuesque as Vardy was left unmarked in the six-yard box to head in Abdul Fatawu's cross.</p>

<p>It was exactly the kind of sloppy goal that bedevilled Tottenham during their swoon in the closing weeks of last season.</p>

<p>Vardy threatened to take advantage of more disjointed Tottenham defending, surging onto Bobby Decordova-Reid's pass but failing to find the accuracy required to beat Guglielmo Vicario.</p>

<p>Left prone on the pitch after an awkward collision, Bentancur needed treatment for seven minutes, including being given oxygen, before he was stretchered off to be monitored for a potential concussion.</p>

<p>Tottenham were shaken and Vicario had to plunge to his left to claw away Boubakary Soumare's header in stoppage time before Richarlison nodded wide from close range in a fitting end to the visitors' inconsistent evening.</p>


Ange Postecoglou admitted "wasteful" Tottenham lost their composure as Jamie Vardy's second-half equaliser gave Leicester a 1-1 draw against his profligate team on Monday.

Ange Postecoglou admitted "wasteful" Tottenham lost their composure as Jamie Vardy's second-half equaliser gave Leicester a 1-1 draw against his profligate team on Monday. Promoted Leicester survived a series of costly Tottenham misses either side of Pedro Porro's first-half opener for the visitors at the King Power Stadium. Vardy made Tottenham pay for their erratic finishing with a typically predatory header, capping his surprise appearance just days after he had been ruled out by Steve Cooper after suffering a pre-season injury. The 37-year-old has now scored nine Premier League goals in 17 appearances against Tottenham, who trudged off wondering how they had failed to demolish Leicester during their dominant first-half display. Tottenham finished fifth in Postecoglou's first season following a campaign in which the Australian's commitment to all-out attack was eventually exposed at the cost of Champions League qualification. Once again, Tottenham were hampered by poor finishing and unfocused defending. Dominic Solanke was especially culpable on the striker's debut after moving from Bournemouth for a fee that could rise to £65 million ($84 million). "Disappointing night for us. First half excellent and controlled the game but wasteful in front of goal. Once Leicester scored, the crowd lifted and we lost our composure," Postecoglou said. "It was an issue we had last year as well. We need to keep working hard and be a bit more ruthless in front of goal. At times we made poor decisions. "The dominance is great but if you don't score it is meaningless. We have to be stronger in our mindset in the front third. To be that wasteful is disappointing. We just weren't clinical." Leicester are back in the Premier League after winning the Championship to end their one-year absence. Amid reports the Foxes could face a points deductions for breaking financial rules, new boss Cooper needs to hit the ground running if they are to avoid relegation and this gritty display was an encouraging start. "I was as fit as a fiddle until I got to about 65 minutes if I'm honest!" Vardy said. "Tottenham are a really good team but we have them too much respect. We started getting after them and it changed the momentum. "When we are at the top of our game we can give anyone a run for their money." Tottenham went close to an early lead when Wilfred Ndidi cleared Rodrigo Bentancur's effort off the line before Mads Hermansen saved Brennan Johnson's fierce effort from the rebound. Solanke's diving header was straight at Hermansen before Cristian Romero nodded Porro's cross just wide. ALSO READ | 'The stadiums in Pakistan...,' PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi admits poor conditions ahead of Champions Trophy 2025 Sloppy Tottenham Solanke tested Hermansen with another header and Tottenham's pressure was rewarded in the 29th minute. James Maddison floated a pin-point cross into the Leicester area, where Porro timed his run perfectly to flick his header into the far corner from 12 yards. Maddison almost provided another assist moments later with a superb cross that Johnson fired narrowly wide. Solanke should have done better than shoot straight at Hermansen early in the second half, while the over-worked keeper also saved Bentancur's close-range strike. Tottenham's wastefulness came back to haunt them in the 57th minute as Leicester struck from their first effort on target. Unhinged far too easily, Tottenham's defenders stood statuesque as Vardy was left unmarked in the six-yard box to head in Abdul Fatawu's cross. It was exactly the kind of sloppy goal that bedevilled Tottenham during their swoon in the closing weeks of last season. Vardy threatened to take advantage of more disjointed Tottenham defending, surging onto Bobby Decordova-Reid's pass but failing to find the accuracy required to beat Guglielmo Vicario. Left prone on the pitch after an awkward collision, Bentancur needed treatment for seven minutes, including being given oxygen, before he was stretchered off to be monitored for a potential concussion. Tottenham were shaken and Vicario had to plunge to his left to claw away Boubakary Soumare's header in stoppage time before Richarlison nodded wide from close range in a fitting end to the visitors' inconsistent evening.

Premier League: Jamie Vardy strikes as Leicester City hold misfiring Spurs

<p>A headline-grabbing libel case over an online spat between two England footballers' wives wrapped up on Thursday, after lifting the lid on tabloid double-dealing and the lives of the rich and famous. Rebekah Vardy, whose husband Jamie plays for Leicester City, is suing Coleen Rooney, the wife of former Manchester United star Wayne, after she accused her of leaking stories to The Sun newspaper.</p>

<p>Coleen, the childhood sweetheart of England's leading goalscorer, was dubbed "Wagatha Christie" after she set up an elaborate sting to try to determine who was behind the leaks, then announced her findings publicly.</p>

<p>"It's... Rebekah Vardy's account," she said. Fascination with the lives of the wives and girlfriends (WAGs) of top-flight footballers -- and their very public falling-out -- has produced wall-to-wall coverage since the case began last Tuesday.</p>

<p>Bystanders have even been waiting outside the hallowed Royal Courts of Justice in central London to snap the women as they attended proceedings.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/explained-the-wagatha-christie-trial-between-coleen-rooney-and-rebekah-vardy-480190#what-is-the-wagatha-christie-case-480185">Explained! The Wagatha Christie trial between Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy</a></strong></p>

<p>Fevered online comment has divided support into two camps -- #TeamColeen and #TeamRebekah.&nbsp;Articles have been written about the designer clothing worn to court and even Coleen's surgical boot that she wore for an unspecified injury has attracted column inches, and comparisons to Wayne's 2006 metatarsal injury before that year's World Cup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Legal costs have reportedly run into millions of pounds (dollars, euros), and the women's lawyers have previously represented Hollywood actor Johnny Depp and Chelsea Football Club's former owner Roman Abramovich.</p>


A headline-grabbing libel case over an online spat between two England footballers' wives wrapped up on Thursday, after lifting the lid on tabloid double-dealing and the lives of the rich and famous.

A headline-grabbing libel case over an online spat between two England footballers' wives wrapped up on Thursday, after lifting the lid on tabloid double-dealing and the lives of the rich and famous. Rebekah Vardy, whose husband Jamie plays for Leicester City, is suing Coleen Rooney, the wife of former Manchester United star Wayne, after she accused her of leaking stories to The Sun newspaper. Coleen, the childhood sweetheart of England's leading goalscorer, was dubbed "Wagatha Christie" after she set up an elaborate sting to try to determine who was behind the leaks, then announced her findings publicly. "It's... Rebekah Vardy's account," she said. Fascination with the lives of the wives and girlfriends (WAGs) of top-flight footballers -- and their very public falling-out -- has produced wall-to-wall coverage since the case began last Tuesday. Bystanders have even been waiting outside the hallowed Royal Courts of Justice in central London to snap the women as they attended proceedings. ALSO READ | Explained! The Wagatha Christie trial between Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy Fevered online comment has divided support into two camps -- #TeamColeen and #TeamRebekah. Articles have been written about the designer clothing worn to court and even Coleen's surgical boot that she wore for an unspecified injury has attracted column inches, and comparisons to Wayne's 2006 metatarsal injury before that year's World Cup. Legal costs have reportedly run into millions of pounds (dollars, euros), and the women's lawyers have previously represented Hollywood actor Johnny Depp and Chelsea Football Club's former owner Roman Abramovich.

Wagatha Christie trial: England footballers' wives libel spat ends with judgment reserved

<p>The 'Wagatha Christie' court trial began in London on Tuesday (May 10) as two of England's high-profile football spouses went up against each other in a legal battle pending for over a couple of years now. Coleen Rooney had accused Rebekah Vardy of leaking fake stories about her in the media, including a private Instagram post in 2019.</p>

<p>Followed by Coleen's allegations, Vardy decided to sue her after denying the allegations against&nbsp;her. Rebekah also filed a libel suit against Coleen, who is the wife of former England football team and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney. Rebekah, on the other hand, is the spouse of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy.</p>

<p>Both Rooney and Vardy played together for England in the Euros 2016 when pictures of Coleen and Rebekah supporting their respective husbands from the stands had gone viral on social media. However, it didn't take much time for the friends to turn foes after Coleen made some shocking allegations against Rebekah.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CWvCE96Mj_S/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Coleen Rooney (@coleen_rooney)</a></p>
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<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/manchester-city-reach-agreement-to-sign-erling-haaland-from-borussia-dortmund-478074">Manchester City reach agreement to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund</a></p>

<p><strong>All you need to know about the Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy feud</strong></p>

<p>The feud stems back to October, 2019 when Coleen suspected someone was leaking her private stuff to the media. She claimed she posted fake stories on her Instagram and restricted them to limited accounts that could view them. Coleen said she blocked everyone apart from an account belonging to Vardy to see if the information from her stories would still get leaked.</p>

<p>The information did get leaked and appeared in The Sun - A leading English daily leading to a never-ending feud between the two football WAGs. Coleen took to Twitter to allege it was Rebekah who had been leaking her information to the media all this while.</p>

<p>While it was reported that Rebekah did try to explain her side of the story to Coleen on phone and also posted on social media, there was no response from Coleen. Rebekah later decided to sue Coleen for libel which gave birth to the 'Wagatha Christie' trial.</p>

<p>The name 'Wagatha Christie' came from the famous term 'Wag' which is commonly used for the wives and girlfriends of sports stars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the trial began on Tuesday, Rebekah's lawyer Hugh Tomlinson defended his client by denying Coleen's claims that she leaked her information to the media. The lawyer also revealed that Rebekah had made "strenuous but unsuccessful attempts" to settle the matter but Coleen's post accusing her was not taken down.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/premier-league-liverpool-maintain-pressure-on-manchester-city-after-hard-fought-win-vs-aston-villa-478058">Premier League: Liverpool maintain pressure on Manchester City after hard-fought win vs Aston Villa</a></p>

<p>Both Coleen and Rebekah arrived at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Tuesday where a group of photographers waited in anticipation for the two star WAGs. The trial is expected to last a week where both Coleen and Rebekah will testify against each other.</p>

<p>While the trial has been subject to intense media coverage, it has been labelled as a 'waste of time' by legal experts. As per reports, the legal costs of the trial are expected to go past 1 million pounds and the winner will recover around only 70% of the money spent during&nbsp;the legal proceedings.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The 'Wagatha Christie' court trial began in London on Tuesday (May 10) as two of England's high-profile football spouses went up against each other in a legal battle pending for over a couple of years now.

The 'Wagatha Christie' court trial began in London on Tuesday (May 10) as two of England's high-profile football spouses went up against each other in a legal battle pending for over a couple of years now. Coleen Rooney had accused Rebekah Vardy of leaking fake stories about her in the media, including a private Instagram post in 2019. Followed by Coleen's allegations, Vardy decided to sue her after denying the allegations against her. Rebekah also filed a libel suit against Coleen, who is the wife of former England football team and Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney. Rebekah, on the other hand, is the spouse of Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy. Both Rooney and Vardy played together for England in the Euros 2016 when pictures of Coleen and Rebekah supporting their respective husbands from the stands had gone viral on social media. However, it didn't take much time for the friends to turn foes after Coleen made some shocking allegations against Rebekah. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Becky Vardy (@beckyvardy) × View this post on Instagram A post shared by Coleen Rooney (@coleen_rooney) × Also Read: Manchester City reach agreement to sign Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund All you need to know about the Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy feud The feud stems back to October, 2019 when Coleen suspected someone was leaking her private stuff to the media. She claimed she posted fake stories on her Instagram and restricted them to limited accounts that could view them. Coleen said she blocked everyone apart from an account belonging to Vardy to see if the information from her stories would still get leaked. The information did get leaked and appeared in The Sun - A leading English daily leading to a never-ending feud between the two football WAGs. Coleen took to Twitter to allege it was Rebekah who had been leaking her information to the media all this while. While it was reported that Rebekah did try to explain her side of the story to Coleen on phone and also posted on social media, there was no response from Coleen. Rebekah later decided to sue Coleen for libel which gave birth to the 'Wagatha Christie' trial. The name 'Wagatha Christie' came from the famous term 'Wag' which is commonly used for the wives and girlfriends of sports stars. As the trial began on Tuesday, Rebekah's lawyer Hugh Tomlinson defended his client by denying Coleen's claims that she leaked her information to the media. The lawyer also revealed that Rebekah had made "strenuous but unsuccessful attempts" to settle the matter but Coleen's post accusing her was not taken down. Also Read: Premier League: Liverpool maintain pressure on Manchester City after hard-fought win vs Aston Villa Both Coleen and Rebekah arrived at the Royal Courts of Justice in London on Tuesday where a group of photographers waited in anticipation for the two star WAGs. The trial is expected to last a week where both Coleen and Rebekah will testify against each other. While the trial has been subject to intense media coverage, it has been labelled as a 'waste of time' by legal experts. As per reports, the legal costs of the trial are expected to go past 1 million pounds and the winner will recover around only 70% of the money spent during the legal proceedings.

Wagatha Christie: All you need to know about the legal battle between Coleen Rooney and Rebekah Vardy

<p>Leicester City's Jamie Vardy is irreplaceable and the club will look to ease the goalscoring burden on the English striker by strengthening the squad in the summer transfer window, manager Brendan Rodgers said.</p>

<p>Vardy is Leicester's top scorer with 14 goals in all competitions this season but has netted just once in his last 13 appearances.</p>

<p>The 34-year-old former England international was instrumental in Leicester's surprise title triumph in 2015-16, when he scored 24 times.</p>

<p>"For me he is irreplaceable. You cannot find anyone there. It is so unique, his story, his qualities and what he has given to Leicester," Rodgers said.</p>

<p>"For us, it's more about the actual profile of what we want. I'll always look to have speed at the top of the field, but are there other attributes that we would look for? But to try to replace him – it's impossible."</p>

<p>Rodgers said there was a lot more to come from Vardy, who has scored over 100 league goals for Leicester.</p>

<p>"(He is) an incredible servant for the club, and still has a big contribution to make over this season and the next couple of seasons," Rodgers said.</p>

<p>"For the number of games we play, and the demands that is put on players...he is not going to be able to play to that rhythm and style every game.</p>

<p>"Our idea in the summer will be to strengthen the squad again."</p>

<p>Leicester, who are third on 50 points after 27 games, visit Brighton &amp; Hove Albion later on Saturday.</p>


Leicester City's Jamie Vardy is irreplaceable and the club will look to ease the goalscoring burden on the English striker by strengthening the squad in the summer transfer window, manager Brendan Rodgers said.

Leicester City's Jamie Vardy is irreplaceable and the club will look to ease the goalscoring burden on the English striker by strengthening the squad in the summer transfer window, manager Brendan Rodgers said. Vardy is Leicester's top scorer with 14 goals in all competitions this season but has netted just once in his last 13 appearances. The 34-year-old former England international was instrumental in Leicester's surprise title triumph in 2015-16, when he scored 24 times. "For me he is irreplaceable. You cannot find anyone there. It is so unique, his story, his qualities and what he has given to Leicester," Rodgers said. "For us, it's more about the actual profile of what we want. I'll always look to have speed at the top of the field, but are there other attributes that we would look for? But to try to replace him – it's impossible." Rodgers said there was a lot more to come from Vardy, who has scored over 100 league goals for Leicester. "(He is) an incredible servant for the club, and still has a big contribution to make over this season and the next couple of seasons," Rodgers said. "For the number of games we play, and the demands that is put on players...he is not going to be able to play to that rhythm and style every game. "Our idea in the summer will be to strengthen the squad again." Leicester, who are third on 50 points after 27 games, visit Brighton & Hove Albion later on Saturday.

Vardy is irreplaceable, says Leicester boss Rodgers

<p>Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy will be available for club's Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers that is to be played n Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The English striker has recovered from a hernia operation, however, manager Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers said the forward will not be rushed back into action.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"Jamie will be available for the game. It was just about trying to fit the operation in at the right time," Rodgers told reporters.</p>

<p>"We had a good idea of the recovery time but Jamie is naturally very fit and has recovered very well.</p>

<p>Vardy has been the club's top scorer this season with 13 goals in all competitions. However, he missed last three league games due to the surgery.</p>

<p>"He is so important to us but the beauty of it is we don't need to rush him back. Just to have him available, whether he starts or comes off the bench, is a huge boost for us."</p>

<p>Wilfred Ndidi is a doubt for Sunday's game while Wes Morgan, Dennis Praet, Wesley Fofana and Timothy Castagne have all been ruled out.</p>

<p>Leicester are third in the league with 42 points, five behind leaders Manchester City, who have played a game less.</p>

<p><em>(Inputs from Reuters)</em></p>


Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy will be available for club's Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers that is to be played n Sunday. The English striker has recovered from a hernia operation, however, manager Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers said the forward will not be rushed back into action.

Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy will be available for club's Premier League clash against Wolverhampton Wanderers that is to be played n Sunday. The English striker has recovered from a hernia operation, however, manager Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers said the forward will not be rushed back into action. ALSO READ: Premier League: Klopp admits Davies, Kabak unlikely to play against Manchester City "Jamie will be available for the game. It was just about trying to fit the operation in at the right time," Rodgers told reporters. "We had a good idea of the recovery time but Jamie is naturally very fit and has recovered very well. Vardy has been the club's top scorer this season with 13 goals in all competitions. However, he missed last three league games due to the surgery. "He is so important to us but the beauty of it is we don't need to rush him back. Just to have him available, whether he starts or comes off the bench, is a huge boost for us." Wilfred Ndidi is a doubt for Sunday's game while Wes Morgan, Dennis Praet, Wesley Fofana and Timothy Castagne have all been ruled out. Leicester are third in the league with 42 points, five behind leaders Manchester City, who have played a game less. (Inputs from Reuters)

Leicester's Jamie Vardy available for Sunday clash after hernia surgery

<p>Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers is hoping Jamie Vardy's late equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw at Arsenal on Tuesday will prove a turning point as the Foxes try to cling on to a place in the Premier League top four.</p>

<p>Rodgers's men have now won only once in six games since the English season restarted last month, but made the most of Eddie Nketiah's red card 15 minutes from time at the Emirates.</p>

<p>Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's strike gave the Gunners a well-deserved first-half lead, but Kasper Schmeichel in the Leicester goal ensured Arsenal failed to add to their advantage.</p>

<p>And after Nketiah saw red, Vardy slotted home from Demarai Gray's cross to open up a four-point lead on fifth-placed Manchester United, who travel to Aston Villa on Thursday.</p>

<p>"I think it's huge for us," said Rodgers. "The second half we were outstanding. We were much quicker in our play and even 11 v 11 we were the better team.</p>

<p>"I was really pleased with how we managed 11 v 10. We got a deserved goal and if we had made the final pass we could have gone on and won the game. We take a point and it could be a very important point for us."</p>

<p>Arsenal's own chances of a top-four finish appear gone as they remain nine points adrift in seventh.</p>

<p>But after a poor start to the restart with back-to-back defeats at Manchester City and Brighton, there were more promising signs from Mikel Arteta's men as his reign at the Emirates begins to take shape.</p>

<p>"We lost two points today that in my opinion we completely deserved," said Arteta. "You can see the effort, intensity, and desire the players are putting in. I am extremely proud.</p>

<p>"You have to learn, when you play against this opposition you have to kill them."</p>

<p>Bukayo Saka has flourished since Arteta replaced Unai Emery in December and the 18-year-old was again at the heart of an excellent first 45 minutes from Arsenal.</p>

<p>Saka created the opening goal as he latched onto a defence-splitting pass from the outstanding Dani Ceballos and teased Jonny Evans into falling over his own feet before laying Aubameyang's 20th Premier League goal of the season on a plate.</p>

<p>But for Schmeichel in the Leicester goal, the hosts would have been out of sight before half-time as the Danish number one produced an incredible low save to deny Alexandre Lacazette in between further smart stops from the French striker and Saka.</p>

<p>Arsenal were far less potent as an attacking force after the break, but Lacazette's frustrating night in front of goal was rounded off when he did turn in from David Luiz's flick-on only to be flagged offside.</p>

<p>Seconds after Lacazette was replaced by Nketiah, the Gunners were down to 10 when the young striker's late lunge on James Justin was deemed worthy of a red card by referee Chris Kavanagh after he came to the side of the pitch to review the incident.</p>

<p>Rodgers immediately threw on an extra attacking option in Gray and his cross was the service Vardy had been seeking all night as turned home to regain his two-goal advantage over Aubameyang in the race for the Golden Boot.</p>


Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers is hoping Jamie Vardy's late equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw at Arsenal on Tuesday will prove a turning point as the Foxes try to cling on to a place in the Premier League top four.

Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers is hoping Jamie Vardy's late equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw at Arsenal on Tuesday will prove a turning point as the Foxes try to cling on to a place in the Premier League top four. Rodgers's men have now won only once in six games since the English season restarted last month, but made the most of Eddie Nketiah's red card 15 minutes from time at the Emirates. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's strike gave the Gunners a well-deserved first-half lead, but Kasper Schmeichel in the Leicester goal ensured Arsenal failed to add to their advantage. And after Nketiah saw red, Vardy slotted home from Demarai Gray's cross to open up a four-point lead on fifth-placed Manchester United, who travel to Aston Villa on Thursday. "I think it's huge for us," said Rodgers. "The second half we were outstanding. We were much quicker in our play and even 11 v 11 we were the better team. "I was really pleased with how we managed 11 v 10. We got a deserved goal and if we had made the final pass we could have gone on and won the game. We take a point and it could be a very important point for us." Arsenal's own chances of a top-four finish appear gone as they remain nine points adrift in seventh. But after a poor start to the restart with back-to-back defeats at Manchester City and Brighton, there were more promising signs from Mikel Arteta's men as his reign at the Emirates begins to take shape. "We lost two points today that in my opinion we completely deserved," said Arteta. "You can see the effort, intensity, and desire the players are putting in. I am extremely proud. "You have to learn, when you play against this opposition you have to kill them." Bukayo Saka has flourished since Arteta replaced Unai Emery in December and the 18-year-old was again at the heart of an excellent first 45 minutes from Arsenal. Saka created the opening goal as he latched onto a defence-splitting pass from the outstanding Dani Ceballos and teased Jonny Evans into falling over his own feet before laying Aubameyang's 20th Premier League goal of the season on a plate. But for Schmeichel in the Leicester goal, the hosts would have been out of sight before half-time as the Danish number one produced an incredible low save to deny Alexandre Lacazette in between further smart stops from the French striker and Saka. Arsenal were far less potent as an attacking force after the break, but Lacazette's frustrating night in front of goal was rounded off when he did turn in from David Luiz's flick-on only to be flagged offside. Seconds after Lacazette was replaced by Nketiah, the Gunners were down to 10 when the young striker's late lunge on James Justin was deemed worthy of a red card by referee Chris Kavanagh after he came to the side of the pitch to review the incident. Rodgers immediately threw on an extra attacking option in Gray and his cross was the service Vardy had been seeking all night as turned home to regain his two-goal advantage over Aubameyang in the race for the Golden Boot.

Rodgers hopes late leveller at Arsenal sparks Leicester revival

<p>Everton bolstered their chances of qualifying for next season's Europa League with a 2-0 win over Burnley in the Premier League on Friday.</p>

<p>Marco Silva's side moved into eighth place, one point behind seventh-place Wolverhampton Wanderers, who host Fulham on Saturday.</p>

<p>Everton continued their impressive recent form, starting brightly and taking the lead after 18 minutes through Ben Mee's own goal, with the defender deflecting in Richarlison's powerful effort.</p>

<p>Seamus Coleman doubled Everton's lead two minutes later, heading home the loose ball after Tom Heaton could only parry Lucas Digne's drive.</p>

<p>Burnley striker Ashley Barnes had a goal correctly disallowed for offside as Sean Dyche's men, safe from relegation, threatened briefly.</p>

<p>Matej Vydra was denied a penalty when former Burnley defender Michael Keane appeared to push him over in the box and Everton held on to record their eighth clean sheet in 10 Premier League matches.</p>

<p>Goodison Park warmly applauded Everton's players on a lap of appreciation, reward for their impressive form in 2019.</p>

<p>If league leaders Manchester City win the FA Cup, the team that finishes seventh in the standings will qualify for the Europa League.</p>

<p>"We've ended the season well, at the mid-point of the season we were very poor," Coleman told Sky Sports.</p>

<p>"For periods of the season the fans were frustrated with how we were playing and that's understandable.</p>

<p>"We wanted to finish in seventh, maybe top six and going forward that's what we've got to aim for. This club needs a trophy and with this manager and this set of players we have to aim for it."</p>


Everton bolstered their chances of qualifying for next season's Europa League with a 2-0 win over Burnley in the Premier League on Friday. Marco Silva's side moved into eighth place, one point behind seventh-place Wolverhampton Wanderers, who host Fulham on Saturday.

Everton bolstered their chances of qualifying for next season's Europa League with a 2-0 win over Burnley in the Premier League on Friday. Marco Silva's side moved into eighth place, one point behind seventh-place Wolverhampton Wanderers, who host Fulham on Saturday. Everton continued their impressive recent form, starting brightly and taking the lead after 18 minutes through Ben Mee's own goal, with the defender deflecting in Richarlison's powerful effort. Seamus Coleman doubled Everton's lead two minutes later, heading home the loose ball after Tom Heaton could only parry Lucas Digne's drive. Burnley striker Ashley Barnes had a goal correctly disallowed for offside as Sean Dyche's men, safe from relegation, threatened briefly. Matej Vydra was denied a penalty when former Burnley defender Michael Keane appeared to push him over in the box and Everton held on to record their eighth clean sheet in 10 Premier League matches. Goodison Park warmly applauded Everton's players on a lap of appreciation, reward for their impressive form in 2019. If league leaders Manchester City win the FA Cup, the team that finishes seventh in the standings will qualify for the Europa League. "We've ended the season well, at the mid-point of the season we were very poor," Coleman told Sky Sports. "For periods of the season the fans were frustrated with how we were playing and that's understandable. "We wanted to finish in seventh, maybe top six and going forward that's what we've got to aim for. This club needs a trophy and with this manager and this set of players we have to aim for it."

Everton ease past Burnley to keep Europa League dream alive

<p>A brace from striker Jamie Vardy gave Leicester City a commanding 4-1 victory over basement side Huddersfield Town at the John Smith's Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday.</p>

<p>Youri Tielemans opened the scoring with a long-range strike that came from a Leicester corner in the 24th minute. The Belgian midfielder latched on to Christopher Schindler's poor clearance to curl home a well-placed shot from 20 yards out.</p>

<p>Vardy doubled their lead three minutes after the break when he got on the end of a sublime cross from right back Ricardo Pereira that beat both the defenders, although there was a hint of offside when the striker made his run.</p>

<p>Huddersfield halved the lead four minutes later when midfielder Aaron Mooy converted a penalty after Caglar Soyuncu brought down Karlan Grant inside the box. The Australian sent goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel the wrong way to make it 2-1.</p>

<p>However, James Maddison restored Leicester's two-goal advantage with a freekick in the 79th minute. Goalkeeper Ben Hamer misjudged the trajectory and took a step to his right before realising too late that the shot was headed to his left.</p>

<p>Vardy then sealed victory with a penalty five minutes later when Terence Kongolo fouled him after he had rounded the goalkeeper. It was his 104th goal for Leicester, going past former England striker Gary Lineker's haul for the club.</p>

<p>The result moved Brendan Rodgers's side to seventh in the standings with 47 points after 33 games, ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers on goal difference.</p>


A brace from striker Jamie Vardy gave Leicester City a commanding 4-1 victory over basement side Huddersfield Town at the John Smith's Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday.

A brace from striker Jamie Vardy gave Leicester City a commanding 4-1 victory over basement side Huddersfield Town at the John Smith's Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday. Youri Tielemans opened the scoring with a long-range strike that came from a Leicester corner in the 24th minute. The Belgian midfielder latched on to Christopher Schindler's poor clearance to curl home a well-placed shot from 20 yards out. Vardy doubled their lead three minutes after the break when he got on the end of a sublime cross from right back Ricardo Pereira that beat both the defenders, although there was a hint of offside when the striker made his run. Huddersfield halved the lead four minutes later when midfielder Aaron Mooy converted a penalty after Caglar Soyuncu brought down Karlan Grant inside the box. The Australian sent goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel the wrong way to make it 2-1. However, James Maddison restored Leicester's two-goal advantage with a freekick in the 79th minute. Goalkeeper Ben Hamer misjudged the trajectory and took a step to his right before realising too late that the shot was headed to his left. Vardy then sealed victory with a penalty five minutes later when Terence Kongolo fouled him after he had rounded the goalkeeper. It was his 104th goal for Leicester, going past former England striker Gary Lineker's haul for the club. The result moved Brendan Rodgers's side to seventh in the standings with 47 points after 33 games, ahead of Wolverhampton Wanderers on goal difference.

Jamie Vardy double gives Leicester comfortable win at Huddersfield

<p>Jamie Vardy's 58th-minute strike gave Leicester City a 1-0 win at Everton on Tuesday and condemned the Merseysiders to their fourth defeat in five Premier League games.</p>

<p>Leicester boss Claude Puel made four changes from the team that lost to Cardiff City on Saturday, including leaving midfielder James Maddison on the bench, while Marco Silva recalled Brazilian Richarlison to his starting line-up.</p>

<p>After a poor first half, the decisive goal came when Everton defender Michael Keane mis-controlled the ball to Ricardo Pereira, who sent Vardy through. The striker made no mistake with a low drive past Jordan Pickford before celebrating with a cartwheel in front of the travelling Foxes fans.</p>

<p>Gylfi Sigurdsson blasted over from a promising position for Everton but Leicester should have doubled their lead when Harry Maguire somehow missed the target from point-blank range.</p>

<p>Everton, with just one win from their last eight games have now failed to win in their last four home matches while the win moves Leicester up into seventh place, on 31 points, four behind Manchester United.</p>


Jamie Vardy's 58th-minute strike gave Leicester City a 1-0 win at Everton on Tuesday and condemned the Merseysiders to their fourth defeat in five Premier League games.

Jamie Vardy's 58th-minute strike gave Leicester City a 1-0 win at Everton on Tuesday and condemned the Merseysiders to their fourth defeat in five Premier League games. Leicester boss Claude Puel made four changes from the team that lost to Cardiff City on Saturday, including leaving midfielder James Maddison on the bench, while Marco Silva recalled Brazilian Richarlison to his starting line-up. After a poor first half, the decisive goal came when Everton defender Michael Keane mis-controlled the ball to Ricardo Pereira, who sent Vardy through. The striker made no mistake with a low drive past Jordan Pickford before celebrating with a cartwheel in front of the travelling Foxes fans. Gylfi Sigurdsson blasted over from a promising position for Everton but Leicester should have doubled their lead when Harry Maguire somehow missed the target from point-blank range. Everton, with just one win from their last eight games have now failed to win in their last four home matches while the win moves Leicester up into seventh place, on 31 points, four behind Manchester United.

Jamie Vardy strike gives Leicester win at Everton

<p>Chelsea suffered their first home defeat since April as Jamie Vardy fired Leicester to a shock 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.</p>

<p>Maurizio Sarri's side paid the price for failing to convert their chances when Vardy netted early in the second half to hand the Blues their first defeat in five games.</p>

<p>Chelsea's disjointed display surrendered an 18-match unbeaten run at the Bridge dating back to Tottenham's victory in April.</p>

<p>Sarri has insisted he does not expect Chelsea to challenge for the title this season, the Italian rating Liverpool and Manchester City as "two steps ahead" of the Blues.</p>

<p>This was further evidence to support Sarri's concerns, with Chelsea left trailing 11 points behind leaders Liverpool.</p>

<p>Chelsea remain in fourth place in the Premier League, but they are now above fifth-placed Arsenal only on goal difference, leaving them facing a tense bid to qualify for the Champions League in the second half of the season.</p>

<p>Leicester's first win at Chelsea since September 2000 was well-timed for Foxes boss Claude Puel, who has endured recent reports he could be sacked just 14 months after he arrived from Southampton.</p>

<p>Chelsea almost took the lead in bizarre fashion after just two minutes when David Luiz launched a long ball towards Willian.</p>

<p>Luiz's pass bounced on the edge of the Leicester area, prompting Foxes keeper Kasper Schmeichel to rush off his line, but when neither he or Willian could make contact, the ball bounced just wide of the empty net.</p>

<p>Pedro was inches away from putting Chelsea in front when he met Willian's corner with a glancing header that flashed wide as Luiz stretched in vain to turn it in.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But despite their territorial dominance, Chelsea's passing and movement wasn't precise or fast enough to prise Leicester open.</p>

<p><strong>Thunderous</strong></p>

<p>Significantly, Hazard was again deployed up front as Sarri continued with the experiment of using the Belgian playmaker as a 'false nine'.</p>

<p>Hazard has been less than effusive in his thoughts about the role so far, dropping hints that he would prefer to return to his usual wide position.</p>

<p>He remains by far Chelsea's most dangerous player wherever he lines up, but there is little doubt his best performances come on the flanks.</p>

<p>Hazard had been the midweek League Cup match-winner against Bournemouth and he should have bagged his 100th Chelsea goal after pouncing on a slip from Leicester's Harry Maguire for a fierce close-range shot that cannoned off the bar.</p>

<p>It was a crucial moment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ndidi's thunderous long-range drive forced Kepa Arrizabalaga to make a fine save before Jorginho produced a powerful effort of his own that Schmeichel punched away.</p>

<p>Not for the first time this season, Chelsea's miscues in attack proved fatal.</p>

<p>Showing&nbsp;the cutting edge that Sarri's team lacked, Leicester punished a moment's loss of concentration to snatch the lead in the 51st minute.</p>

<p>James Maddison slipped a perfect pass to Vardy, who escaped Cesar Azpilicueta before burying a cool finish past Kepa for his sixth goal of the season.</p>

<p>It was the first time Chelsea had conceded a goal at home in six matches and inevitably they turned to Hazard for inspiration.</p>

<p>Beating Leicester's offside trap, Hazard cut in from the left for a stinging strike that Schmeichel blocked at his near post.</p>

<p>Sarri responded by sending on Olivier Giroud and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, allowing Hazard to return to the left wing.</p>

<p>But Leicester were defending superbly and Chelsea's luck was out in stoppage-time when Marcos Alonso's shot hit a post and rolled along the goalline to safety.</p>


Chelsea suffered their first home defeat since April as Jamie Vardy fired Leicester to a shock 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Maurizio Sarri's side paid the price for failing to convert their chances when Vardy netted early in the second half to hand the Blues their first defeat in five games.

Chelsea suffered their first home defeat since April as Jamie Vardy fired Leicester to a shock 1-0 win at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Maurizio Sarri's side paid the price for failing to convert their chances when Vardy netted early in the second half to hand the Blues their first defeat in five games. Chelsea's disjointed display surrendered an 18-match unbeaten run at the Bridge dating back to Tottenham's victory in April. Sarri has insisted he does not expect Chelsea to challenge for the title this season, the Italian rating Liverpool and Manchester City as "two steps ahead" of the Blues. This was further evidence to support Sarri's concerns, with Chelsea left trailing 11 points behind leaders Liverpool. Chelsea remain in fourth place in the Premier League, but they are now above fifth-placed Arsenal only on goal difference, leaving them facing a tense bid to qualify for the Champions League in the second half of the season. Leicester's first win at Chelsea since September 2000 was well-timed for Foxes boss Claude Puel, who has endured recent reports he could be sacked just 14 months after he arrived from Southampton. Chelsea almost took the lead in bizarre fashion after just two minutes when David Luiz launched a long ball towards Willian. Luiz's pass bounced on the edge of the Leicester area, prompting Foxes keeper Kasper Schmeichel to rush off his line, but when neither he or Willian could make contact, the ball bounced just wide of the empty net. Pedro was inches away from putting Chelsea in front when he met Willian's corner with a glancing header that flashed wide as Luiz stretched in vain to turn it in. But despite their territorial dominance, Chelsea's passing and movement wasn't precise or fast enough to prise Leicester open. Thunderous Significantly, Hazard was again deployed up front as Sarri continued with the experiment of using the Belgian playmaker as a 'false nine'. Hazard has been less than effusive in his thoughts about the role so far, dropping hints that he would prefer to return to his usual wide position. He remains by far Chelsea's most dangerous player wherever he lines up, but there is little doubt his best performances come on the flanks. Hazard had been the midweek League Cup match-winner against Bournemouth and he should have bagged his 100th Chelsea goal after pouncing on a slip from Leicester's Harry Maguire for a fierce close-range shot that cannoned off the bar. It was a crucial moment. Ndidi's thunderous long-range drive forced Kepa Arrizabalaga to make a fine save before Jorginho produced a powerful effort of his own that Schmeichel punched away. Not for the first time this season, Chelsea's miscues in attack proved fatal. Showing the cutting edge that Sarri's team lacked, Leicester punished a moment's loss of concentration to snatch the lead in the 51st minute. James Maddison slipped a perfect pass to Vardy, who escaped Cesar Azpilicueta before burying a cool finish past Kepa for his sixth goal of the season. It was the first time Chelsea had conceded a goal at home in six matches and inevitably they turned to Hazard for inspiration. Beating Leicester's offside trap, Hazard cut in from the left for a stinging strike that Schmeichel blocked at his near post. Sarri responded by sending on Olivier Giroud and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, allowing Hazard to return to the left wing. But Leicester were defending superbly and Chelsea's luck was out in stoppage-time when Marcos Alonso's shot hit a post and rolled along the goalline to safety.

Jamie Vardy strikes as Leicester stun Chelsea

<p>Jamie Vardy, a hero of Leicester's remarkable Premier League title triumph two years ago, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/fans-players-pay-tribute-to-leicesters-owner-vichai-srivaddhanaprabha-death-174089">led tributes</a> to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/thai-owner-of-leicester-city-was-killed-in-helicopter-crash-174067">club's owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who died</a> when his helicopter crashed shortly after take-off just outside the team's stadium.</p>

<p>Thai billionaire Vichai, 60, was one of five people killed in Saturday's crash, and is credited with leading Leicester's meteoric rise from English football's second tier when he took over in 2010 to champions for the first time.</p>

<p>"Struggling to find the right words," Vardy posted on Instagram alongside a picture of him and Vichai smiling.</p>

<p>"But to me you are legend, an incredible man who had the biggest heart, the soul of Leicester City Football Club.</p>

<p>"Thank you for everything you did for me, my family and our club. I will truly miss you.... may you rest in peace... #theboss."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Struggling to find the right words....but to me you are legend, an incredible man who had the biggest heart, the soul of Leicester City Football Club. Thank you for everything you did for… <a href="https://t.co/FzTaXVejUg">https://t.co/FzTaXVejUg</a></p>
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<p>Vardy plucked from the obscurity of non-league side Fleetwood Town in 2012, represented the shrewd investment that characterised Vichai's ownership.</p>

<p>Another impressive signing Harry Maguire, bought from second-division Hull less than a year before starring for England at this summer's World Cup, thanked Vichai for his support during his time in Russia with the Three Lions.</p>

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<p style=" margin:8px 0 0 0; padding:0 4px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BpfkIwHlQVZ/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_blank">Struggling to find the right words....but to me you are legend, an incredible man who had the biggest heart, the soul of Leicester City Football Club. Thank you for everything you did for me, my family and our club. I will truly miss you.... may you rest in peace...#theboss</a></p>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/vardy7/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px;" target="_blank"> Jamie Vardy</a> (@vardy7) on <time datetime="2018-10-28T22:15:38+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px;">Oct 28, 2018 at 3:15pm PDT</time></p>
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<p>"Words can't describe how I feel. A truly great, kind, loving man who will be missed so much by everyone," Maguire wrote on Twitter.</p>

<p>"I will never forget the Chairman's support, not only during my time @LCFC but also during the World Cup."</p>


Jamie Vardy, a hero of Leicester's remarkable Premier League title triumph two years ago, led tributes to the club's owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who died when his helicopter crashed shortly after take-off just outside the team's stadium.

Jamie Vardy, a hero of Leicester's remarkable Premier League title triumph two years ago, led tributes to the club's owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha, who died when his helicopter crashed shortly after take-off just outside the team's stadium. Thai billionaire Vichai, 60, was one of five people killed in Saturday's crash, and is credited with leading Leicester's meteoric rise from English football's second tier when he took over in 2010 to champions for the first time. "Struggling to find the right words," Vardy posted on Instagram alongside a picture of him and Vichai smiling. "But to me you are legend, an incredible man who had the biggest heart, the soul of Leicester City Football Club. "Thank you for everything you did for me, my family and our club. I will truly miss you.... may you rest in peace... #theboss." Struggling to find the right words....but to me you are legend, an incredible man who had the biggest heart, the soul of Leicester City Football Club. Thank you for everything you did for… https://t.co/FzTaXVejUg — Jamie Vardy (@vardy7) October 28, 2018 × Vardy plucked from the obscurity of non-league side Fleetwood Town in 2012, represented the shrewd investment that characterised Vichai's ownership. Another impressive signing Harry Maguire, bought from second-division Hull less than a year before starring for England at this summer's World Cup, thanked Vichai for his support during his time in Russia with the Three Lions. View this post on Instagram Struggling to find the right words....but to me you are legend, an incredible man who had the biggest heart, the soul of Leicester City Football Club. Thank you for everything you did for me, my family and our club. I will truly miss you.... may you rest in peace...#theboss A post shared by Jamie Vardy (@vardy7) on Oct 28, 2018 at 3:15pm PDT × "Words can't describe how I feel. A truly great, kind, loving man who will be missed so much by everyone," Maguire wrote on Twitter. "I will never forget the Chairman's support, not only during my time @LCFC but also during the World Cup."

Jamie Vardy leads Leicester tributes to 'legend' Vichai

<p>World Cup-bound England had the wind taken out of their sails as Italy's Lorenzo Insigne scored an 86th-minute penalty, awarded by VAR, to cancel out Jamie Vardy's opener and secure a 1-1 draw in a friendly at Wembley on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The Video Assistant Referee will be used at this year's finals in Russia and as an example of things to come it rescued Italy as they gained some crumbs of comfort after a woeful run of form that cost them a place at the tournament.</p>

<p>It was tough on England who, apart from a sloppy opening spell, had looked reasonably assured in what was a high-profile audition for those players still hoping to grab a place in Gareth Southgate's final squad.</p>

<p>Vardy did his chances no harm at all when he thumped home after a quickly-taken free kick by Jesse Lingard in the 26th minute for his seventh England goal.</p>

<p>Burnley's James Tarkowski, handed a debut in a back three, also did little wrong although it was his tackle on substitute Federico Chiesa that allowed Italy a first goal in four games and ended England's run of five clean sheets.</p>

<p>Two of those shutouts were against Germany and Brazil while they also beat the Netherlands 1-0 in Amsterdam on Friday and, although they could not take the scalp of four-times world champions Italy, the England boss was upbeat.</p>

<p>"I feel that we have made positive progression," Southgate, who will name his provisional 33-man squad on May 14, said.</p>

<p>"In terms of the last four games we have played four of the biggest football countries in the world and we have been competitive in every game and our patterns of play have become a lot clearer to everybody."</p>

<p>What is not yet clear is the impact of VAR.</p>

<p>Chiesa's theatrical fall did not initially impress German referee Deniz Aytekin but after the intervention of VAR he pointed to the spot and, with boos ringing around the stadium, Insigne beat Jack Butland with a perfect spot kick.</p>

<p>It was a marginal call as Chiesa appeared to be already off balance when Tarkowski inadvertently trod on his foot.</p>

<p><strong>STEADY PROGRESS</strong></p>

<p>Italy arrived at Wembley in the doldrums after becoming the biggest casualties of the qualifying campaign.</p>

<p>England, on the other hand, are attracting quiet optimism after steady progress under Southgate's thoughtful stewardship.</p>

<p>There are still questions to answer, however, and John Stones did his best to undermine the growing confidence in England's defence with a sloppy opening in which he twice almost allowed Ciro Immobile to score.</p>

<p>First he played Immobile onside but the striker failed to react quickly enough and then Stones dallied on the ball in his own area and had his pocket picked by Immobile who again lacked the required sharpness to punish the Manchester City man.</p>

<p>Immobile wasted another chance when he headed over the bar after being left unmarked in the area.</p>

<p>Raheem Sterling was England's best attacking option with his driving runs causing panic at the heart of Italy's defence.</p>

<p>He had already carved out a chance for Vardy when he burst forward again only to be bundled over on the edge of the area.</p>

<p>Jesse Lingard took the free kick instantaneously and rolled the ball to Vardy who smashed his shot past Italy's teenage keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.</p>

<p>The goal settled England down and they began to assert some control with Ashley Young, given a first start under Southgate, rolling a cross-shot just wide after another Sterling burst.</p>

<p>England were comfortable after the break as Italy lacked any goal threat but the usual raft of substitutions from both sides disrupted what little rhythm the match had.</p>

<p>The Mexican waves were well underway when Italy finished with a late flourish.</p>

<p>Insigne went close with a volley after some slick passing and then Chiesa fell theatrically under the challenge of Burnley defender Tarkowski to change the mood in the stadium and send the small Italian contingent in the 82,000 crowd home happy.</p>


The two sides drew 1-1. (Italy, remember, is not going to the World Cup)

World Cup-bound England had the wind taken out of their sails as Italy's Lorenzo Insigne scored an 86th-minute penalty, awarded by VAR, to cancel out Jamie Vardy's opener and secure a 1-1 draw in a friendly at Wembley on Tuesday. The Video Assistant Referee will be used at this year's finals in Russia and as an example of things to come it rescued Italy as they gained some crumbs of comfort after a woeful run of form that cost them a place at the tournament. It was tough on England who, apart from a sloppy opening spell, had looked reasonably assured in what was a high-profile audition for those players still hoping to grab a place in Gareth Southgate's final squad. Vardy did his chances no harm at all when he thumped home after a quickly-taken free kick by Jesse Lingard in the 26th minute for his seventh England goal. Burnley's James Tarkowski, handed a debut in a back three, also did little wrong although it was his tackle on substitute Federico Chiesa that allowed Italy a first goal in four games and ended England's run of five clean sheets. Two of those shutouts were against Germany and Brazil while they also beat the Netherlands 1-0 in Amsterdam on Friday and, although they could not take the scalp of four-times world champions Italy, the England boss was upbeat. "I feel that we have made positive progression," Southgate, who will name his provisional 33-man squad on May 14, said. "In terms of the last four games we have played four of the biggest football countries in the world and we have been competitive in every game and our patterns of play have become a lot clearer to everybody." What is not yet clear is the impact of VAR. Chiesa's theatrical fall did not initially impress German referee Deniz Aytekin but after the intervention of VAR he pointed to the spot and, with boos ringing around the stadium, Insigne beat Jack Butland with a perfect spot kick. It was a marginal call as Chiesa appeared to be already off balance when Tarkowski inadvertently trod on his foot. STEADY PROGRESS Italy arrived at Wembley in the doldrums after becoming the biggest casualties of the qualifying campaign. England, on the other hand, are attracting quiet optimism after steady progress under Southgate's thoughtful stewardship. There are still questions to answer, however, and John Stones did his best to undermine the growing confidence in England's defence with a sloppy opening in which he twice almost allowed Ciro Immobile to score. First he played Immobile onside but the striker failed to react quickly enough and then Stones dallied on the ball in his own area and had his pocket picked by Immobile who again lacked the required sharpness to punish the Manchester City man. Immobile wasted another chance when he headed over the bar after being left unmarked in the area. Raheem Sterling was England's best attacking option with his driving runs causing panic at the heart of Italy's defence. He had already carved out a chance for Vardy when he burst forward again only to be bundled over on the edge of the area. Jesse Lingard took the free kick instantaneously and rolled the ball to Vardy who smashed his shot past Italy's teenage keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. The goal settled England down and they began to assert some control with Ashley Young, given a first start under Southgate, rolling a cross-shot just wide after another Sterling burst. England were comfortable after the break as Italy lacked any goal threat but the usual raft of substitutions from both sides disrupted what little rhythm the match had. The Mexican waves were well underway when Italy finished with a late flourish. Insigne went close with a volley after some slick passing and then Chiesa fell theatrically under the challenge of Burnley defender Tarkowski to change the mood in the stadium and send the small Italian contingent in the 82,000 crowd home happy.

World Cup friendlies: Late Italy penalty takes wind out of England's sails

<p>England striker Jamie Vardy believes the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) leaves players and fans with little idea of "what is going on" just three months before the system is to be used at the World Cup.</p>

<p>Vardy's first-half strike had England on course for another fine World Cup warm-up friendly result against four-time world champions Italy on Tuesday, until the visitors were awarded a penalty three minutes from time on video review.</p>

<p>German referee Deniz Aytekin overturned his original decision not to point to the spot when Federico Chiesa tumbled under the challenge of debutant James Tarkowski.</p>

<p>Aytekin came to the side of the pitch to review the decision himself and took less than two minutes to change his mind before Lorenzo Insigne dispatched the spot-kick to earn a 1-1 draw for the visitors.</p>

<p>However, Vardy believes the process still needs to be improved for those inside the stadium.</p>

<p>"They say they are using it at the World Cup so we have used it tonight," said Vardy. "Most of it is down to players and supporters not knowing what is going on.</p>

<p>"It is okay to come up and say VAR is in use but no-one knows what it is going on. It is obviously taking time as well, there were five minutes added on."</p>

<p>England manager Gareth Southgate complained Aytekin's initial decision wasn't a case of a "clear and obvious" error.</p>

<p>According to the rules regarding VAR, only clear and obvious mistakes should be reviewed.</p>

<p>And Southgate also called for better communication with fans inside the stadium, claiming those watching at home are currently more informed than the paying public.</p>

<p>"A better way of communicating with fans in the ground (is needed)," said Southgate.</p>

<p>"That was a little better tonight because at least they knew something was going on, but I think ideally in other sports there is a clearer communication with those in the stadium.</p>

<p>"When those at home have a better idea of what is going on than those in the stadium, I'm not sure that's the right thing."</p>


England striker Jamie Vardy believes the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) leaves players and fans with little idea of "what is going on"

England striker Jamie Vardy believes the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) leaves players and fans with little idea of "what is going on" just three months before the system is to be used at the World Cup. Vardy's first-half strike had England on course for another fine World Cup warm-up friendly result against four-time world champions Italy on Tuesday, until the visitors were awarded a penalty three minutes from time on video review. German referee Deniz Aytekin overturned his original decision not to point to the spot when Federico Chiesa tumbled under the challenge of debutant James Tarkowski. Aytekin came to the side of the pitch to review the decision himself and took less than two minutes to change his mind before Lorenzo Insigne dispatched the spot-kick to earn a 1-1 draw for the visitors. However, Vardy believes the process still needs to be improved for those inside the stadium. "They say they are using it at the World Cup so we have used it tonight," said Vardy. "Most of it is down to players and supporters not knowing what is going on. "It is okay to come up and say VAR is in use but no-one knows what it is going on. It is obviously taking time as well, there were five minutes added on." England manager Gareth Southgate complained Aytekin's initial decision wasn't a case of a "clear and obvious" error. According to the rules regarding VAR, only clear and obvious mistakes should be reviewed. And Southgate also called for better communication with fans inside the stadium, claiming those watching at home are currently more informed than the paying public. "A better way of communicating with fans in the ground (is needed)," said Southgate. "That was a little better tonight because at least they knew something was going on, but I think ideally in other sports there is a clearer communication with those in the stadium. "When those at home have a better idea of what is going on than those in the stadium, I'm not sure that's the right thing."

Video Assistant Referee confuses players and fans: Jamie Vardy

<p>Jamie Vardy burst back to his predatory best with his first Leicester City hat-trick as the champions recaptured their title-winning mojo to earn a shock 4-2 win over Manchester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday.</p>

<p>Vardy, hero of last season&#39;s fairytale triumph, finally ended his 16-match goalscoring drought for the club by scoring twice in the first 20 minutes as the Foxes, making a nonsense of their miserable recent form, raced into a three-goal lead.</p>

<p>After the England striker had struck in the third minute, club stalwart Andy King put Leicester two up with only four-and-a-half minutes on the clock and Vardy was then put in beautifully by Riyad Mahrez to score his second.</p>

<p>He completed his first hat-trick since his non-league days at Fleetwood Town from the narrowest of angles thanks to a careless back pass from John Stones.</p>

<p>Aleksandar Kolarov (82 minutes) and Nolito (90) scored consolation goals in a late rally for City, who remain fourth, four points adrift of leaders Chelsea.</p>

<p>Nobody could have imagined the drama of the opening minutes as Leicester awoke dramatically from what had, statistically, been the worst English title defence in 54 years since Ipswich Town in 1962-63.</p>

<p>Despite his heroics for Leicester, Vardy had never scored a hat-trick for them and his last treble had been for minor league Fleetwood in 2012.</p>

<p>Yet the King Power was transported back to heady May days, suddenly reminded why their team, languishing just three points off the foot of the table at the start of the day, were champions.</p>

<p>With a side unrecognisable from the second-string one that had been beaten 5-0 at Porto in midweek -- the heaviest defeat by any English team in European Cup history -- Leicester burst from the blocks on a rainy night.</p>

<p>A lovely touch from Mahrez fed Islam Slimani, whose neat through ball was finished brilliantly by Vardy, who had not scored in the league for a total of 741 minutes.</p>

<p>Within a couple of minutes, Slimani had teed up King, who curled one in from the edge of the box and the visitors were in disarray when a long ball from Christian Fuchs was cushioned delicately by Mahrez into Vardy&#39;s hungry path and the England striker evaded keeper Claudio Bravo to slot home.</p>

<p>City belatedly dominated but it was all huff and puff and when Stones hit a blind pass towards Bravo, Vardy nipped in to strike with the ball ruled to have just crept over the line via the post.</p>

<p>Kolarov, with a smashing free kick, and Nolito finally broke through but it could not mask what had been the most discouraging day yet of his new reign for visiting manager Pep Guardiola.</p>

<p>(Reuters)</p>


Vardy finally ended his 16-match goalscoring drought for the club by scoring twice in the first 20 minutes

Jamie Vardy burst back to his predatory best with his first Leicester City hat-trick as the champions recaptured their title-winning mojo to earn a shock 4-2 win over Manchester City at the King Power Stadium on Saturday. Vardy, hero of last season's fairytale triumph, finally ended his 16-match goalscoring drought for the club by scoring twice in the first 20 minutes as the Foxes, making a nonsense of their miserable recent form, raced into a three-goal lead. After the England striker had struck in the third minute, club stalwart Andy King put Leicester two up with only four-and-a-half minutes on the clock and Vardy was then put in beautifully by Riyad Mahrez to score his second. He completed his first hat-trick since his non-league days at Fleetwood Town from the narrowest of angles thanks to a careless back pass from John Stones. Aleksandar Kolarov (82 minutes) and Nolito (90) scored consolation goals in a late rally for City, who remain fourth, four points adrift of leaders Chelsea. Nobody could have imagined the drama of the opening minutes as Leicester awoke dramatically from what had, statistically, been the worst English title defence in 54 years since Ipswich Town in 1962-63. Despite his heroics for Leicester, Vardy had never scored a hat-trick for them and his last treble had been for minor league Fleetwood in 2012. Yet the King Power was transported back to heady May days, suddenly reminded why their team, languishing just three points off the foot of the table at the start of the day, were champions. With a side unrecognisable from the second-string one that had been beaten 5-0 at Porto in midweek -- the heaviest defeat by any English team in European Cup history -- Leicester burst from the blocks on a rainy night. A lovely touch from Mahrez fed Islam Slimani, whose neat through ball was finished brilliantly by Vardy, who had not scored in the league for a total of 741 minutes. Within a couple of minutes, Slimani had teed up King, who curled one in from the edge of the box and the visitors were in disarray when a long ball from Christian Fuchs was cushioned delicately by Mahrez into Vardy's hungry path and the England striker evaded keeper Claudio Bravo to slot home. City belatedly dominated but it was all huff and puff and when Stones hit a blind pass towards Bravo, Vardy nipped in to strike with the ball ruled to have just crept over the line via the post. Kolarov, with a smashing free kick, and Nolito finally broke through but it could not mask what had been the most discouraging day yet of his new reign for visiting manager Pep Guardiola. (Reuters)

Football: Vardy earns Leicester a shock 4-2 win over Manchester City

The thousands of Welsh supporters who have brought their nation&#39;s famed singing, not to mention plenty of plastic dragons, to a major tournament after a wait of more that half-a-century are steeling themselves to hit the heights -- or rock bottom -- on Monday.<br />
<br />
Currently in second place in Euro 2016 group B with three points, Wales could finish either top or bottom of their section, depending on their own result against Russia here and England&#39;s against Slovakia.<br />
<br />
If they beat the Russians, who have only one point, and neighbours England fail to win, Chris Coleman&#39;s side would be proud group winners, qualifying for a round of 16 match in the Parc des Princes next Saturday against a third-placed team.<br />
<br />
At the other extreme, defeat, and at least a point for Slovakia, would leave them fourth.<br />
<br />
A modicum of pride would undoubtedly remain, but such an outcome would be a real anti-climax after the excitement of beating the Slovaks 2-1 in the opening game and then holding England until the final minute in a 2-1 defeat.<br />
<br />
Russia&#39;s 2-1 defeat by Slovakia undid all the good work of their resilience in snatching a late equaliser against England and leaves them vulnerable to an early return home and charges of under-achievement.<br />
<br />
In historic and geo-political terms there should be no contest between a nation of 144 million people and one with a population of three million -- larger than only Albania, Northern Ireland and Iceland of the 24 countries here.<br />
<br />
Russia have never lost to Wales in their four meetings, but the margins have been tight, like so many matches at this low-scoring tournament.<br />
<br />
Coach Leonid Slutski knows his team must avoid conceding free kicks within shooting range for Gareth Bale, a mistake that both Slovakia and England were punished for making.<br />
<br />
The Real Madrid player scored with direct long range efforts, bringing back memories of Michel Platini&#39;s ability with a dead ball when France last hosted the European Championship in 1984.<br />
<br />
Coleman knows he can count on his one superstar. He will be more concerned about a defence that conceded only four goals in the qualifying campaign but has been beaten almost as many times in two games here.<br />
<br />
Changing from his system of three at the back is a possibility, but perhaps too radical a departure at this late and crucial stage.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

Wales is in second place in Group B with three points, and their fate depends on their result against Russia and England against Slovakia

The thousands of Welsh supporters who have brought their nation's famed singing, not to mention plenty of plastic dragons, to a major tournament after a wait of more that half-a-century are steeling themselves to hit the heights -- or rock bottom -- on Monday. Currently in second place in Euro 2016 group B with three points, Wales could finish either top or bottom of their section, depending on their own result against Russia here and England's against Slovakia. If they beat the Russians, who have only one point, and neighbours England fail to win, Chris Coleman's side would be proud group winners, qualifying for a round of 16 match in the Parc des Princes next Saturday against a third-placed team. At the other extreme, defeat, and at least a point for Slovakia, would leave them fourth. A modicum of pride would undoubtedly remain, but such an outcome would be a real anti-climax after the excitement of beating the Slovaks 2-1 in the opening game and then holding England until the final minute in a 2-1 defeat. Russia's 2-1 defeat by Slovakia undid all the good work of their resilience in snatching a late equaliser against England and leaves them vulnerable to an early return home and charges of under-achievement. In historic and geo-political terms there should be no contest between a nation of 144 million people and one with a population of three million -- larger than only Albania, Northern Ireland and Iceland of the 24 countries here. Russia have never lost to Wales in their four meetings, but the margins have been tight, like so many matches at this low-scoring tournament. Coach Leonid Slutski knows his team must avoid conceding free kicks within shooting range for Gareth Bale, a mistake that both Slovakia and England were punished for making. The Real Madrid player scored with direct long range efforts, bringing back memories of Michel Platini's ability with a dead ball when France last hosted the European Championship in 1984. Coleman knows he can count on his one superstar. He will be more concerned about a defence that conceded only four goals in the qualifying campaign but has been beaten almost as many times in two games here. Changing from his system of three at the back is a possibility, but perhaps too radical a departure at this late and crucial stage. (Reuters)

Wales could hit heights or depths in final countdown

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri is confident Riyad Mahrez will stay at the club after midfielder N&#39;Golo Kante&#39;s Chelsea move triggered speculation that the influential winger could follow suit.<br />
<br />
Leicester have already had to fight off advances from several clubs to keep striker Jamie Vardy and left wing-back Jeffrey Schlupp, and Ranieri was certain of retaining the majority of the Premier League title-winning squad.<br />
<br />
Mahrez remains the subject of interest from several clubs, including Spanish champions Barcelona, according to the British media, while Vardy rejected Arsenal and signed a new deal at Leicester last month.<br />
<br />
&quot;Only Kante wanted to go, that&#39;s okay. But I understood him, he came from a little team in France and had a fantastic season. I said to him, stay with us and have another year with us, but he wanted to go,&quot; Ranieri told British media.<br />
<br />
&quot;Everybody here is happy and yes, he wants to stay. No other players will go away. We will stay together. The football continues without Riyad or without Kante, but Riyad will stay with us for all of the years.&nbsp;It&#39;s important to maintain the group, with the spirit, with the humility. That&#39;s important for me.&quot;<br />
<br />
Leicester&#39;s head of recruitment Steve Walsh, who was instrumental in bringing both Mahrez and Kante to the club, has been heavily linked with the director of football role at Everton.<br />
<br />
Ranieri has already lost a major part of his backroom staff when highly-rated scout Ben Wrigglesworth went to Arsenal in January and Rob MacKenzie was installed as Tottenham Hotspur&#39;s head of talent identification in February.&nbsp;Leicester will kick off their title defence with a trip to the KC Stadium, where they will face promoted Hull City on August 13.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

Leicester have already had to fight off advances from several clubs to keep striker Jamie Vardy and left wing-back Jeffrey Schlupp

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri is confident Riyad Mahrez will stay at the club after midfielder N'Golo Kante's Chelsea move triggered speculation that the influential winger could follow suit. Leicester have already had to fight off advances from several clubs to keep striker Jamie Vardy and left wing-back Jeffrey Schlupp, and Ranieri was certain of retaining the majority of the Premier League title-winning squad. Mahrez remains the subject of interest from several clubs, including Spanish champions Barcelona, according to the British media, while Vardy rejected Arsenal and signed a new deal at Leicester last month. "Only Kante wanted to go, that's okay. But I understood him, he came from a little team in France and had a fantastic season. I said to him, stay with us and have another year with us, but he wanted to go," Ranieri told British media. "Everybody here is happy and yes, he wants to stay. No other players will go away. We will stay together. The football continues without Riyad or without Kante, but Riyad will stay with us for all of the years. It's important to maintain the group, with the spirit, with the humility. That's important for me." Leicester's head of recruitment Steve Walsh, who was instrumental in bringing both Mahrez and Kante to the club, has been heavily linked with the director of football role at Everton. Ranieri has already lost a major part of his backroom staff when highly-rated scout Ben Wrigglesworth went to Arsenal in January and Rob MacKenzie was installed as Tottenham Hotspur's head of talent identification in February. Leicester will kick off their title defence with a trip to the KC Stadium, where they will face promoted Hull City on August 13. (Reuters)

Riyad Mahrez will not follow Kante out of Leicester, says Ranieri

England had to settle for a goalless draw against Slovakia on Monday although that was enough for Roy Hodgson&#39;s team to reach the knockout phase by finishing second in Group B behind Wales.<br />
<br />
England dominated the match but their failure to beat Slovakia, who came third and should also go through to the last 16, means they will face the runners-up of Group F.<br />
<br />
England made six changes and their new-look lineup created several chances, with Jamie Vardy, Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and substitute Deli Alli making efforts to break the deadlock.<br />
<br />
But despite the roar of their fans, who vastly outnumbered Slovakia&#39;s in the St Etienne stadium, known locally as the cauldron, they could not find a way through the Slovak defence.<br />
<br />
England are second in the group with five points, one behind first-placed Wales who beat Russia 3-0 and will play their last 16 tie in Nice on June 27.<br />
<br />
If England had finished top, they would have played a third-placed team in Paris two days earlier in a location much closer to their training base which would have suited Hodgson.<br />
<br />
Slovakia, on four points, must wait to see if they go through as one of the four best third-placed teams.<br />
<br />
Hodgson took a major gamble by revamping the side that beat Wales 2-1 last Thursday, including resting captain Wayne Rooney, and saw his team make a bright start.<br />
<br />
Vardy posed a constant threat in the first half and full back Clyne, replacing Kyle Walker, regularly troubled the Slovak defence with probing runs down the right wing.<br />
<br />
Vardy fired just over the bar in the opening minutes, and then flicked on a header that set up a chance for strike partner Daniel Sturridge.<br />
<br />
Soon after, Vardy outsprinted fullback Martin Skrtel, running onto a long ball inside the penalty area but firing his shot straight at keeper Matus Kozacik.<br />
<br />
In one of England&#39;s best moves, a pass from Clyne set up Lallana for a stinging shot that forced a diving two-handed save from Kozacik.<br />
<br />
For Slovakia, Viktor Pecovsky shot harmlessly over the bar, and Marek Hamsik wriggled clear of centre-half Gary Cahill and fired across the face of goal.<br />
<br />
With Wales leading Russia at halftime, England came out for the second half knowing they needed to score in their quest to finish top.<br />
<br />
They had anxious moments when a mix-up between goalkeeper Joe Hart and defender Chris Smalling nearly let in Robert Mak, and Vladimir Weiss had a low shot saved, but otherwise they continued to put Slovakia under pressure.<br />
<br />
Clyne&#39;s shot from a narrow angle bounced off the keeper&#39;s shoulder and Alli, with his first touch after coming off the bench, forced a goal line clearance from Skrtel.<br />
<br />
Sturridge just failed to get a touch on a long pass into the penalty area and Rooney, on as substitute, had a shot from 20 metres deflected wide.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Striker Harry Kane also came on and put a header wide, while a Gary Cahill header from a corner went straight at Kozacik.<br />
<br />
With Prince William, among the crowd, grimacing and holding his head at a series of near-misses, England kept pushing for a goal but to no avail.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

They finish second in group B behind surprise toppers Wales

England had to settle for a goalless draw against Slovakia on Monday although that was enough for Roy Hodgson's team to reach the knockout phase by finishing second in Group B behind Wales. England dominated the match but their failure to beat Slovakia, who came third and should also go through to the last 16, means they will face the runners-up of Group F. England made six changes and their new-look lineup created several chances, with Jamie Vardy, Adam Lallana, Nathaniel Clyne and substitute Deli Alli making efforts to break the deadlock. But despite the roar of their fans, who vastly outnumbered Slovakia's in the St Etienne stadium, known locally as the cauldron, they could not find a way through the Slovak defence. England are second in the group with five points, one behind first-placed Wales who beat Russia 3-0 and will play their last 16 tie in Nice on June 27. If England had finished top, they would have played a third-placed team in Paris two days earlier in a location much closer to their training base which would have suited Hodgson. Slovakia, on four points, must wait to see if they go through as one of the four best third-placed teams. Hodgson took a major gamble by revamping the side that beat Wales 2-1 last Thursday, including resting captain Wayne Rooney, and saw his team make a bright start. Vardy posed a constant threat in the first half and full back Clyne, replacing Kyle Walker, regularly troubled the Slovak defence with probing runs down the right wing. Vardy fired just over the bar in the opening minutes, and then flicked on a header that set up a chance for strike partner Daniel Sturridge. Soon after, Vardy outsprinted fullback Martin Skrtel, running onto a long ball inside the penalty area but firing his shot straight at keeper Matus Kozacik. In one of England's best moves, a pass from Clyne set up Lallana for a stinging shot that forced a diving two-handed save from Kozacik. For Slovakia, Viktor Pecovsky shot harmlessly over the bar, and Marek Hamsik wriggled clear of centre-half Gary Cahill and fired across the face of goal. With Wales leading Russia at halftime, England came out for the second half knowing they needed to score in their quest to finish top. They had anxious moments when a mix-up between goalkeeper Joe Hart and defender Chris Smalling nearly let in Robert Mak, and Vladimir Weiss had a low shot saved, but otherwise they continued to put Slovakia under pressure. Clyne's shot from a narrow angle bounced off the keeper's shoulder and Alli, with his first touch after coming off the bench, forced a goal line clearance from Skrtel. Sturridge just failed to get a touch on a long pass into the penalty area and Rooney, on as substitute, had a shot from 20 metres deflected wide. Striker Harry Kane also came on and put a header wide, while a Gary Cahill header from a corner went straight at Kozacik. With Prince William, among the crowd, grimacing and holding his head at a series of near-misses, England kept pushing for a goal but to no avail. (Reuters)

England draw Slovakia 0-0 but go through to last 16

A crackdown on behaviour will kick in when the new English season starts with referees instructed to show yellow and red cards to unruly players, the Premier League said on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
The unedifying sight of snarling players berating officials over decisions or hurling abuse has been the scourge of the game and the Premier League, English Football League and Football Association have all clearly had enough.<br />
<br />
In a joint directive the three organisations said disrespect towards match officials had to stop.<br />
<br />
&quot;We and our clubs have been discussing for some time concerns that certain elements of player behaviour are overstepping the mark -- the mass confrontations, overt displays of dissent and offensive language,&quot; Richard Scudamore, the Premier League&#39;s executive chairman, said on Wednesday.<br />
<br />
&quot;We are viewed by millions week in week out -- including lots of young people -- and it is our collective position that these types of behaviour should no longer be tolerated,&quot;&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Vigorous discipline clamp down&nbsp;</strong><br />
<br />
From the start of this season, players who use offensive language towards officials will be punished with a red card, while aggressive physical contact will also earn an instant sending off.<br />
<br />
More yellow cards are likely as referees have been told to book all players who run to officials, stand face to face with them or aggressively invade their personal space.<br />
<br />
If a referee is surrounded by multiple players, he is mandated to book at least one of the offenders, and Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore insisted there will be no softening of the approach if it leads to a flurry of dismissals early in the season.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The behaviour of coaches and technical staff will also be more strictly controlled.<br />
<br />
<strong>Repeat offenders</strong><br />
<br />
Football League chief executive Richard Harvey said the new directives were not just an idle threat.<br />
<br />
&quot;To be clear, this is a set of instructions from the football authorities to referees to take action against certain behaviour that we will not tolerate in our matches,&quot; he said.<br />
<br />
Incidents which underlined the need for a new hardline approach include Leicester striker Jamie Vardy abusing referee Jonathan Moss after being controversially sent off for diving against West Ham in April and the series of brawls that marred Tottenhams crucial draw at Chelsea and led to big fines for both clubs.<br />
<br />
&quot;That (Chelsea game) wasnt a trigger for this but it underscored a good reason why we needed to get a move on. We are saying this behavioural stuff, which is pretty black and white, isnt acceptable, &#39;&#39; FA chief executive Martin Glenn said.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
In the Premier League West Bromwich Albion were the worst offenders last season with 11 yellow cards shown for dissent, according to a survey in the Guardian.<br />
<br />
The Premier League will for the first time meet all clubs prior to the season in a bid to ensure the plan is understood and Championship clubs have contributed to a fund that will pay for full-time referees in the second tier.<br />
<br />
The Football League season kicks off on Aug. 5 with the Premier League starting a week later.<br />
<br />
(AFP, Reuters)<br />
&nbsp;

The Football Association, the Premier League and the Football League join forces to stamp out aggressive posturing in Premier League

A crackdown on behaviour will kick in when the new English season starts with referees instructed to show yellow and red cards to unruly players, the Premier League said on Wednesday. The unedifying sight of snarling players berating officials over decisions or hurling abuse has been the scourge of the game and the Premier League, English Football League and Football Association have all clearly had enough. In a joint directive the three organisations said disrespect towards match officials had to stop. "We and our clubs have been discussing for some time concerns that certain elements of player behaviour are overstepping the mark -- the mass confrontations, overt displays of dissent and offensive language," Richard Scudamore, the Premier League's executive chairman, said on Wednesday. "We are viewed by millions week in week out -- including lots of young people -- and it is our collective position that these types of behaviour should no longer be tolerated," Vigorous discipline clamp down From the start of this season, players who use offensive language towards officials will be punished with a red card, while aggressive physical contact will also earn an instant sending off. More yellow cards are likely as referees have been told to book all players who run to officials, stand face to face with them or aggressively invade their personal space. If a referee is surrounded by multiple players, he is mandated to book at least one of the offenders, and Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore insisted there will be no softening of the approach if it leads to a flurry of dismissals early in the season. The behaviour of coaches and technical staff will also be more strictly controlled. Repeat offenders Football League chief executive Richard Harvey said the new directives were not just an idle threat. "To be clear, this is a set of instructions from the football authorities to referees to take action against certain behaviour that we will not tolerate in our matches," he said. Incidents which underlined the need for a new hardline approach include Leicester striker Jamie Vardy abusing referee Jonathan Moss after being controversially sent off for diving against West Ham in April and the series of brawls that marred Tottenhams crucial draw at Chelsea and led to big fines for both clubs. "That (Chelsea game) wasnt a trigger for this but it underscored a good reason why we needed to get a move on. We are saying this behavioural stuff, which is pretty black and white, isnt acceptable, '' FA chief executive Martin Glenn said. In the Premier League West Bromwich Albion were the worst offenders last season with 11 yellow cards shown for dissent, according to a survey in the Guardian. The Premier League will for the first time meet all clubs prior to the season in a bid to ensure the plan is understood and Championship clubs have contributed to a fund that will pay for full-time referees in the second tier. The Football League season kicks off on Aug. 5 with the Premier League starting a week later. (AFP, Reuters)

Football governing bodies warn unruly Premier League stars

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